Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 January 2012
881 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he has considered establishing a minor cardiac unit at Sligo General Hospital; if it is proposed to incorporate a cardiac catheterisation laboratory as part of any planned development; the projected timescale of any proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41161/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
882 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if he is considering bilateral arrangements for acute hospital services between Erne Hospital Enniskillen and Sligo General Hospital; if these considerations include services which could be supplied to patients from Fermanagh by Sligo General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41162/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, published in December last year, makes a number of references to co-operation between both jurisdictions. This includes a recommendation for the development of joint planning arrangements with the Republic of Ireland, including shared opportunities in tertiary and specialist care, procurement, services in the new hospital in the south west and services which straddle the border areas.
I support exploring areas of mutual interest where there is scope for co-operation and I have had discussions with Minister Poots in this regard. It is likely that this discussion will be further developed in the context of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Review.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply information to me on the specific matter raised in this question. When I receive that information, I will contact the Deputy about this matter.
